What's here at Ndutu?
Useful Information about the lodge
Ndutu Safari Lodge is situated in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in the southern Serengeti eco-system. The Lodge nestles unobtrusively under a canopy of giant acacias overlooking a soda lake, Lake Ndutu. The lodge offers a superb base in which to explore the range of habitats that lie within easy reach, this include swamps, woodlands, soda lakes and the world famous Serengeti short grass plains. Ndutu Safari Lodge has been a favourite with professional wildlife photographers and film-makers for the past four decades, because it’s simply one of the best places to watch wildlife.
Accommodation
Ndutu Safari Lodge consists of 34 stone cottages that extend from the central, open-sided bar, lounge and dining room.
Each room has it’s own verandah that overlooks Lake Ndutu. All rooms have en-suite facilities. The cottages are made from local materials and offer comfortable, tasteful accommodation. Ten rooms have a double bed, and there are five triple rooms. We also have one family room, which can accommodate up to 2 adults and 2 children. All other rooms have 2 single beds. All the rooms are single storey and are accessible with a wheel chair.
Meals
We offer good quality home cooking. Breakfast is available from 7am onwards, for those wanting an earlier start they can either have a continental or picnic breakfast.
A three-course lunch is served from 12.30 through to 14.00.
Dinner is a hearty four course affair and is served from 19.30 through to 21.00.
We always offer a vegetarian alternative and are happy to cater for any special needs.
From 06.00 onwards tea, coffee and biscuits are available throughout the day on a complimentary basis in the lounge area. We also offer herbal tea and decaffeinated coffee. Guests can also request early morning drinks to be delivered to their rooms.
The bar is open from 06.30 until 23.00.
Electricity
Our generator is operational from 05.30 - 13.00 and 18.00 - 23.30.
The voltage is 220 Volts and we use the English 3 pin plugs.
All rooms have electric lights; there are also torches and candles in the rooms for use when the generator has been switched off at night. We ask that guests refrain from using hairdryers and other items of a similar nature as they overload our generator.
Checking in and out
Check- in time is from 11.00. Checking out time is 10.30. For guests who require a day room, these are available (subject to availability) at 50% of the daily room rate.
Wildlife awareness
There are no fences around Ndutu Safari Lodge and wild animals wander through at all hours of day and night. Guests, for their own safety, are requested to stay within the lodge grounds. During the evening, watchmen are on duty and are on hand to escort guests back to their rooms. The watchmen remain on duty throughout the night.
Children
Although children are welcome at Ndutu Safari Lodge, an adult must supervise them at all times. It is the responsibility of the parents to ensure the safety of their children. The Lodge and its staff cannot be held responsible.
Money
We accept cash either in Tanzanian shillings, US$, or any other recognised major currency. Travelers cheques are also welcome. We also accept VISA, Mastercard, American Express and JCB credit cards. We currently do not charge any surcharge for this service. Due to high banking charges we cannot accept credit card payments for amounts under $20. Guests are welcome to deposit any valuables at the reception for safekeeping.
Camp-fire
Each evening we welcome our guests to join us around the camp-fire. For those not wanting to sit outside, the bar provides a warm, cosy atmosphere. The genets, small spotted cat-like animals, usually make an appearance, as they gaze down at you from the rafters. The genets have been here for years and as they are nocturnal it is a great pleasure for guests to be able to see them at such a close proximity.
Laundry
We offer a full laundry service. There are laundry bags in the rooms and items that are sent to the laundry in the morning are usually returned late afternoon - weather permitting! All laundry is hand washed.
Telephone and Internet services
Telephone, fax and email are available at the lodge. Internet access is also possible.
Gift Shop
There is a well-stocked gift shop at the lodge selling a wide range of curios. With this shop we support local projects where women and handicapped people are using their skills for a better future, for themselves and their families.
Medical Emergencies
There is an airstrip just 1km away from the lodge. In the event of a serious illness or accident the Flying Doctors from Nairobi can evacuate someone without the need of having to drive far. We highly recommend that guests have temporary Flying Doctors membership for their safari to Tanzania.
Game Drives
There are many game-drive circuits around Ndutu. We have resident guides available to escort you if you are unfamiliar with the area. Please contact the lodge direct for additional information. Game drives can be carried out between 6am-6pm.
Walking
Walking is allowed in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area but you must be accompanied by a NCAA ranger. The ranger post is situated close to the lodge and they charge $20 per group per walk. Most walks are usually around 2 hours in duration but they can be varied in length.
Park fees
Ngorongoro park fees are applicable when staying at Ndutu. Park fees are currently $50 per person per 24-hour period. Children between 5 - 16 years of age pay $10 per person. Children below the age of 5 are free of charge. If visiting Serengeti National Park whilst staying at Ndutu then guests will be liable to Serengeti park fees as well. Serengeti park fees are also $50 a day.
How to get here by Air
Ndutu's all weather airstrip (since April 2008) is 1 Kilometer away from the lodge. Approximate flying time from Arusha Airport to Ndutu is 50 minutes. Free transfers are available to transport guests to and from Ndutu airstrip to the lodge. Daily scheduled air service is available from Arusha to the Ndutu airstrip. Other airstrips in the vicinity are Seronera and Manyara.
